Speaker and Staff

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Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji

The role of the Speaker is to chair the proceedings, uphold the rights and privileges of the Members of Parliament, ensure public access to the proceedings of Parliament and its committees, and represent the Parliament in its relations with other parliaments.

The Speaker, who is not a Member of Parliament, is elected by Parliament.

The Constitution provides that the Speaker is independent and only subject to the Constitution and any other law. In performing the functions of the office, the Speaker must act impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice. The Speaker is also required to secure the honour and dignity of Parliament.

Parliament also elects a Deputy Speaker from one of its members. The Deputy Speaker performs the duties of the Speaker if the Speaker is absent.

The current Speaker is the Honourable Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

The current Deputy Speaker is the Honourable Lenora Qereqeretabua.

Secretary-General to Parliament

The Secretary-General to Parliament is responsible to the Speaker for the efficient, effective and economical management of Parliament. As well as being chief executive of the parliamentary administration, the Secretary- General is also the principal procedural advisor to the Speaker, Members and Committees of Parliament.

The current Secretary-General to Parliament is Mrs Jeanette Emberson. She was holding the position of Deputy Secretary-General since February 2015. She is a Lawyer by profession.

Parliamentary Staff

Parliament is supported by an administrative staff numbering around 106 people. They include procedural, research, library, ICT, Hansard, tables, committee, finance, inter-parliamentary, human resources, civic education and media and general administration staff.

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